Trump Speaks on Power and Controversy in Recent Interview

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a recent interview with The Atlantic, President Donald Trump discussed his experiences and goals in his second term, emphasizing his unique approach to leadership. The interview was online and conducted partly by phone on April 24, after an unexpected initial call from the magazine’s reporters.

Trump characterized his current role differently from his first term, saying, “In my first term, I had two things to do—run the country and survive; I had all these crooked guys.” This time, he stated, “I run the country and the world,” signaling a shift in his confidence and authority.

During the conversation, Trump touched on significant issues, including the controversy surrounding his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth‘s recent breach of protocol and the administration’s approach to immigration and deportations. Regarding the possibility of mistakenly expelling an American citizen, Trump remarked, “Let me tell you that nothing will ever be perfect in this world.” This comment highlights the administration’s rigorous yet controversial stance on immigration.

He praised tech titans like Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos, suggesting their changed attitudes toward him stem from “a higher level of respect,” and speculated that they may have underestimated him initially. Trump claimed to be enjoying his position, saying, “I’m having a lot of fun, considering what I do…what I do is such serious stuff.”

The interview was marked by tension as Trump had previously criticized The Atlantic, calling its editor-in-chief a “total sleazebag”. The engagement after weeks of hostility reflects the unpredictable nature of Trump’s interactions with the media.

Trump’s advisors reportedly noted a new practice of responding to his directives only after he has reiterated them twice, demonstrating a shift in internal dynamics as they adapt to his presidency’s evolving landscape.

While the article captures Trump’s confidence, it also raises questions about governance, accountability, and the impact of executive actions in a politically charged environment.